Basics
-5k (3 miles) run, held at Aloha Stadium
-Dubbed "The World's Most Colorful 5k Run"
-You get powdered dye thrown at you (you also get to throw dye yourself) before, during and after the run. The dye is supposedly non-toxic and safe to eat-although it's not recommended.
Participants are highly encouraged to:
-Wear white to show off dye colors or come in costume (many females wore bright colored tutus, old wedding gowns, veils, bright colored knee-high socks or leg warmers, etc.)
-Pick up packet before the day of the run (lines are REALLY long)
-Be safe and have fun!
My first Run or Dye experience was awesome. I picked up my packet the day before the run and the line was extremely long but the wait time wasn't as long as expected. They had a quick and efficient way of checking us in and distributing our essentials. We had to bring a signed waiver and they were able to look us up on their iPads to verify payment and registration. We were then given our bibs (the number would be used to identify runners in photos), a t-shirt, backpack and a packet of dye. They also had a store set up to purchase extra items like extra dye packs, shirts, bracelets, headbands, etc. During the wait, they played music and periodically gave away dye packs for free.
On the morning of the race, there was ample parking even though we didn't arrive that early. The check-in line for those who didn't pick up their packets early was crazy long and pretty much stayed that way until even after the first wave of runners started. I liked the setup of the event-they had multiple tents and many porta-potties and sinks on the outside. They had the check-in tents, first aid, store, water station, etc. Then of course they had the long starting line and a stage with a pretty good sound system for the after party.
At the start of the race (I'm not sure why they call it a race because you're not officially timed and it's a non-competitive run. In fact, many walked and also brought their kids and strollers); they send runners in waves of 500-700. They would send a wave every 5-10 minutes to help spread everyone out. It was pretty cool how they set it up because there was a tower at the beginning of the start line where the host entertained everyone, music was being played and runners were already starting to throw dye at each other and in the air while waiting for the run to start. They had several dye zones throughout the race and for the most part, each dye zone had a designated dye color. So volunteers would continuously throw dye at runners passing through the dye zone. It got pretty crazy and entertaining because some runners rolled on the ground in the dye zone to immerse themselves in color.
The course didn't even seem like 3 miles probably because we had so much fun. We were pre-occupied with the dye and people watching (many runners wore creative outfits/costumes) along the course. After the run, we attended the after party or "Dye Festival" at the stage where we danced and dyed the sky. Basically, when they told us to throw our dye in the air, we did it simultaneously and there were huge clouds of dye in the air. I wish we could upload videos to Yelp so I can show you!
Pros
-Tons of fun if you're willing to get colored
-They partnered with Aloha United Way so by running, you help support local charities
-Dye easily came off of skin and hair (with a lot of scrubbing)
-Entertaining (like I mentioned, many people showed up in costumes, they played music and the host was entertaining as well)
Cons
-Probably not suitable for people with asthma. On a couple occasions, my friends got dye in their mouth as they were screaming and/or laughing in the dye zones. There was dye flying all over the place so it's probably best to keep your mouth shut and hold your breath in the dye zones.
-Long lines for check in. I recommend going early and hopefully they have two check in days for the next time. Lines were long the day before the run and from what I heard and saw being posted, the line was continuously long throughout the entire day.
Would I do it again? Over and over! I highly recommend this run to anyone who hasn't tried it and doesn't mind getting a little dirty. Okay, A LOT dirty!
Like they say, "You haven't lived dyed running!" read more